NORTH CHANNEL—Two races held over the weekend rounded out another successful sailing season on the North Channel.
On Saturday almost non-existent winds made racing a difficult task in the Bousquet Challenge. The nine boats in the two categories of the races were hoping for at least 10 to 15 knots, but gusts were few and far between making the 11 mile race more than over five hours. Nine vessels raced from the west side of Picnic Island, west to Clapperton Island and back to Little Current. The end of the race was an interesting one, said LCYC member and fellow racer Mike Coomes of Kagawong, as five of the boats finished less than three minutes apart.
In the White Sail class, Jessie placed first, Seabiscuit came second and Moonshadow third.
In the Spinnaker Class, Elusive placed first, Bluejacket second and Sojourn third. (The race is one of handicaps, with the smaller the boat, the greater the handicap.)
Following the race, a flag ceremony was held at the Anchor with the Bousquet family providing the snacks.
On Sunday, nine boats again took to the seas for the Anchor Inn Labatt Classic, this time with much different conditions and plenty of wind.
A pursuit race, the smallest boat starts first with the largest craft going last—a difference of 38 minutes. The Sunday race began on the east side of Strawberry Island, racing through the swing bridge narrows for an overall distance of 11.2 miles. Racers finished this course in just over two hours.
One race vessel clocked a whopping 32 knots from one gust of wind, Mr. Coomes noted excitedly.
“It was very exciting, frightening,” he said.
Seabiscuit won the Classic with Elusive in second place and Bluejacket third. Interestingly, this was the only time Elusive didn’t finish first all season, still making this boat the winner of this year’s Boat of the Year award. The Lions Head crew, captained by Tim Mattheson, was honoured at the Anchor Inn following the race.
“It was a good end to the season,” Mr. Coomes said. “We have good prospects for next year.”
